Wickford Crime Rate April 2025 | Monthly Statistics

April 2025 marked a mixed picture for Wickford’s crime profile, with an overall rate of 5.5 crimes per 1,000 residents—28.6% below the UK average of 7.7. The month’s most prevalent offences were violence and sexual offences (35.3% of total crimes), followed by anti-social behaviour (22.0%) and criminal damage and arson (16.0%). These figures reflect a combination of seasonal dynamics and local characteristics. The Easter period, coupled with spring weather, likely contributed to increased outdoor activity, which may explain the rise in anti-social behaviour and criminal damage. However, Wickford’s crime profile remains safer than the UK average, particularly in categories such as violence and sexual offences, which are 27% below the national rate. The area’s relatively low crime rate, despite the 7.0% monthly increase, suggests that local factors—such as community engagement, policing strategies, or the built environment—play a role in mitigating criminal activity. For instance, the absence of significant spikes in property crimes (such as vehicle crime or shoplifting) may indicate that Wickford’s built-up area within Basildon benefits from targeted prevention measures. The seasonal context of April—marked by Easter and the transition into warmer weather—also aligns with the observed trends, as outdoor spaces become more active and events draw larger crowds. While the increase in criminal damage and arson raises questions about potential causes, the overall trajectory remains one of relative safety compared to national averages. This data underscores the importance of monitoring seasonal patterns and adapting community responses to local needs.

April 2025 saw a sharp 140% increase in criminal damage and arson, with incidents rising from 10 to 24. This spike, coupled with a 120% rise in anti-social behaviour (15 to 33 incidents), suggests a shift in crime patterns during the Easter period. The increase in anti-social behaviour aligns with higher foot traffic and outdoor activity, potentially linked to spring festivals or seasonal events. Bicycle theft also surged by 100%, jumping from zero to two incidents—a rare but notable uptick that may reflect increased cycling during warmer weather. Conversely, other crime categories declined, with 'other crime' dropping 83.3% (from 6 to 1) and 'possession of weapons' falling by 50% (from 2 to 1). Violence and sexual offences, though remaining the most common category (35.3% of total crimes), are 27% below the UK average of 2.6 per 1,000, illustrating a stark contrast to national trends. These fluctuations highlight the need for residents to remain vigilant during seasonal transitions.

Wickford's crime rate in April 2025 rose 7.0% from the previous month, climbing to 5.5 per 1,000 residents from 5.1 per 1,000. This upward shift, though modest, suggests a slight acceleration in reported incidents during the Easter period. On a daily basis, the area experienced an average of 5 crimes per day in April, a figure that, while localised, offers a tangible sense of frequency for residents. Over the course of the month, one crime was reported for every 183 residents, a ratio that contextualises the scale of incidents within the population. This monthly exposure remains significantly lower than the UK average, which stands at 7.7 per 1,000. The population context—Wickford’s 27,406 residents—means that while the rate is rising, the absolute number of crimes remains relatively low compared to larger urban centres. Local factors, such as seasonal transitions and increased outdoor activity, may contribute to the slight uptick, though the overall profile remains well below national benchmarks.